Over the years I've seen many people take candidate data sheets in many different ways. But the one thing that is constant, regardless of the industry, is the section related to candidate hot buttons. If a recruiter gets nothing else, it is key that they have an in-depth understanding of what is going to motivate and make them jump up anddown or at the very least, intrigue them enough to explore an opportunity. 
 
How many times have you seen a candidate data sheet and the motivators are one word answers?

They are things like:
1. location
2. challenge
3. people
4. money

In my opinion those are extremely broad topics that need to be explored for further detail if you as the recruiter are going to be effective not only for you client but also for your candidate.  How can you even begin to match a candidate's desires based on one word answers or for that matter prep your candidate and/or client? Or have any ability to utilize this information when closing a candidate if all that appears is one word answers?  The answer is that you can't do any of the above.  Therefore, it is imperative that you as the recruiter explore these topics further.  It is also an opportunity to bond with your candidate. For example,
 
"John, you said that location is important to you in considering a move.  Talk to me about specific locations and what is important about those places for you and your family."
 
John- "We are currently living in Wyoming. And although it's a beautiful area and we have a large house with lots of land, my youngest child has tremendous athletic talent.  He is getting ready to go into High School and we have been advised by athletic scouts that we move him to a state with a stronger football program where he can be developed and have a stronger shot for college recruitment.  This is why a state like Texas with a reputation for solid football programs would be ideal. And my wife's parents live in the Austin area."
 
Okay, now you know a couple of things that mean a great deal to the candidate. They currently have a large house on a lot of land, so living in an area where they could replicate this could be of interest. You also know that what is most important about the location is that the city or state has a strong reputation for developing football talent that will serious be considered for college recruitment is key. And lastly that they have family in the Austin area. 
 
"John, it makes perfect sense why Texas or a strong football state close by is important to you. But you also mentioned that the opportunity need to present a challenge. Talk to me a little bit about your current position and the things you like that you feel challenge you and you'd hope to see those replicated. And also, what types of challenges would you like to have that you don't currently?"
 
John- " In my current position, I was brought on board to totally re-design the pediatric wing of the Children's Hospital. Although the challenges are many, one of the most important aspects was the privacy of the patients from the time they leave the waiting area until they make it to their final destination whether it be to radiology, surgery, treatment,etc. in an environment that was warm, child friendly, still clinically functional, but nothing that gave off that "traditional hospital feel" which can be extremely frightening for a child.  I can walk you through the little details at another time, but what I enjoy most is the interaction with the architects, engineers, equipment representatives, hospital administrators, tossing around ideas and understanding how each of their ideas inter-relates and how one aspect of the design affects another to come to a final solution that is not only solid from a design and implementation process, but ultimately achieves what we set out to do which was design a functional space that works clinically and accomplishes the privacy issue of the children as patients. I've had to play politician, mediator, designer, installer, therapist, you name it, I've been the chief cook and bottle washer to bring everyone's ideas and requirements and demands to a workable solution."
 
Again, you've learned a great deal about what the candidate enjoys from a challenge perspective and what excites them, but also have learned more about the role he has played and the responsibilities he handles on a daily basis which can be explored even further and will be great information and insight to give to your client for the interview.
 
The punch line to these examples and to taking an effective candidate data sheet is to question and to dig deeper. No one ever said that you had to limit your information to a single sheet of paper or a specific screen on the computer either.  This information is valuable stuff.  Open up an additional file for attachment, add a miscellaneous section at the end or your data sheet, or pull out that yellow pad and keep writing!
 
Remember, in this case, TMI is not a bad thing!